Two Chicago men, Jonheym Jonathan Andrews (23) and Steve E. Mitchell (23), face various felony charges for allegedly stealing stuff from a Kohl’s in Merrillville, Indiana, then fleeing police in a risky interstate pursuit, according to Lake County authorities.
Police say Andrews, driving a blue Kia sedan, and Mitchell, his front-seat passenger, fled the business with stolen fragrances worth $4,128.06. When a patrol vehicle tried to stop them, Andrews performed a U-turn and accelerated onto I-65, driving southbound in the northbound lanes, just missing other vehicles and colliding with a police cruiser. Both males fled on foot but were immediately captured by authorities.
Officers reported minor injuries, such as stomach and wrist pain, as well as cuts from guardrails when handling the suspects. Inside the Kia, investigators discovered stolen items and 4.8 grams of marijuana. Surveillance footage indicated both men were responsible for the theft, and questioning revealed Andrews admitted to selling stolen items online or on the street, while Mitchell claimed fear after being freed from jail.
Both suspects are currently detained in Lake County Jail.
Charges Against Jonheym Jonathan Andrews:
- Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
- Battery on a Public Safety Officer Resulting in Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony
- Theft ($750–$50,000) — Level 6 Felony
- Organized Retail Theft — Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Vehicle) — Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Causing Bodily Injury) — Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Using a Vehicle) — Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing) — Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor
Charges Against Steve E. Mitchell:
- Theft ($750–$50,000) — Level 6 Felony
- Organized Retail Theft — Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Causing Bodily Injury) — Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing) — Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor
Hobart Police cautioned Illinois citizens that “there is no I-Bond here — you will go to jail for shoplifting.”
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